PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE.

Opunake Times, 3 July 1894, Page 2

PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE.

There is hardly anything about which propertyholders are so careless as providing means of safety in the event of a fire breaking out. Should a fire recur at present in any block of buildings in the town, and should there happen to be any wind blowing at the time, nothing could save the greater part of the town from being burned down. Propertyholders may insure to a certain extent, but the loss, worry, and stoppage of business is not compensated for by the paltry amount of insurance which most people keep afloat over their stocks and premises. When a fire breaks out, if warning is given in anything like reasonable time, a small amount of well directed effort may be the means of saving a vast amount of property, but on the other hand, no matter * how willing the assistance volunteered may be unless it is properly directed, there is generally a very poor result. Propertyholders seldom realise until too late the risk of destruction by fire which they constantly run. No matter how careful they may be individually any act of carelessness on the part of their neighbors may bring comparative ruin upon them. The best means of coping with an outbreak of fire is naturally a good water supply, but that is beyond <tbe means of this, town, at present at all events. The next best agent is an energetic fire brigade. In order to establish such it would be necessary to procure a fire engine and all other accessories, but this in the meantime is not considered to be within reach. There is nothing, however, to prevent the formation of a bucket and ladder brigade which would be the neuclus of a fire brigade for the future as regards drill and general training. Steps were taken some months ago to the attainment of this end, but at present the movement is apparently enjoying its winter sleep. Mr Stewart, we understand, was the prime mover in the matter before ; he has confidence still in the movement and is anxious to test the feeling of the people in the matter again. He is an old fire brigade volunteer and is willing to let those desirous of forming a brigade here have the benefit of his experience. We trust when the call is made that there will, be a hearty response ou the part' of those who would be working members, and also those who would be looked forward to, to support the movement as honorary members and otherwise. The Town Board, out of its reserves in the town, could no doubt find a suitable site for the erection of a shed for the accommodation of the materials which would be procuaed to make a start with. Those who would proupsf 1 as, working would do well to bear in mind that in any movement of the kind unless they are prepared to implicitly obey those whom they elect to positions of command, and to abide by the rules and regulations re practice and drill they would be much better by refraining from enrobing. We feel quite sure that if the matter is heartily taken up the result will be such that should we unfortunately be visited by a fire, it will be nipped in the bud, through having a well organised brigade to deal with it.